Delhi wakes up to a wet morning as thunderstorms and heavy showers sweep across the region, prompting the weather department to issue a yellow alert for Gurugram and Faridabad. While the rainfall offers respite from the sultry humidity, it raises concerns over waterlogging, traffic snarls, and possible disruptions in air travel.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded nearly 13 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. The weather agency expects more thunderstorms and downpours throughout the day, with cloudy skies persisting. Forecasts suggest that showers are likely to continue until the end of the week, keeping the national capital and its satellite cities under a wet spell.Temperatures are expected to fluctuate between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius, though elevated humidity levels will keep conditions sticky for most residents. Experts note that consistent spells of rain may ease air pollution temporarily but are also likely to cause drainage-related challenges across several localities.
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Aviation authorities have cautioned passengers about possible flight delays due to poor visibility and wet runways. Airlines have issued advisories urging travellers to check flight status before leaving for the airport. Officials said additional manpower has been deployed at airports to manage passenger movement during weather-related interruptions.Beyond the immediate inconvenience of traffic and air travel, urban planners warn that the recurrent issue of waterlogging in Delhi-NCR underlines a structural gap in climate resilience. Despite repeated warnings from experts, large parts of the capital continue to lack sustainable drainage systems. This, they argue, is symptomatic of how Indian cities have prioritised rapid growth over resilient infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Yamuna River remains under close watch as its water levels inch towards the danger mark following consistent rainfall. Authorities are monitoring embankments to prevent breaches that could affect low-lying settlements along the floodplains.Forecast models suggest that thunderstorms and rain will remain a feature of the capital’s weather until the end of August. Officials have urged citizens to plan travel cautiously, avoid waterlogged stretches, and stay updated on advisories.Analysts highlight that these weather patterns, once seen as episodic, are now becoming more frequent due to climate variability.
A senior climate expert pointed out that the intensity of rainfall, coupled with poor ground absorption and rapid urbanisation, creates a cycle of flooding and disruption. The episode, therefore, is more than just a weather update it is a reflection of how the national capital must rethink its preparedness for extreme weather.For Delhi, the showers may cool the air for a while, but they have once again exposed the pressing need for sustainable urban planning. Without urgent intervention in drainage, flood control, and eco-sensitive development, the city’s future monsoons may continue to wash away more than just humidity.
